Sixth annual classical music festival brings Latin flair to Big Sky

The Arts Council of Big Sky presents the sixth annual Big Sky Classical Music Festival, a three-day event including two free outdoor performances from Friday, Aug. 12, to Sunday, Aug. 14.

The first night of the festival showcases one of the world’s most renowned classical guitarists, Ana Vidovic, in an intimate concert at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center.

Vidovic is an internationally acclaimed talent who has taken her place amongst the elite musicians of the world. She has given more than 1,000 public performances, both in the U.S. and abroad, since first taking the stage in 1988. Violinist Angella Ahn will perform with Vidovic for a portion of Friday’s show, which begins at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday features a free outdoor concert in Town Center Park by M5 Mexican Brass, direct from Mexico City for the festival. Since the group formed in 2005, M5 Mexican Brass has established itself as Mexico’s leading brass quintet, garnering international recognition.

On Sunday, the Big Sky Festival Orchestra performs a free concert in Town Center Park at 5 p.m. The orchestra will be conducted by Peter Bay, of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, featuring some of the best Montana musicians. Austin Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Jessica Matheas and guitarist Ana Vidovic will also join the performance. Selections will include works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Rodrigo.

Other free public events throughout the weekend include an open rehearsal/discussion with the M5 Mexican Brass ensemble on Saturday afternoon from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Talus Room at Big Sky Resort. And a master class with Montana State University String Camp Orchestra will be held from 10-11:30 a.m., also in the Talus Room.